WEYNKEN, A WIDOW, DAUGHTER OF CLAES, OF MONICKENDAM, BURNT TO DEATH IN THE HAGUE, THE 20TH NOVEMBER, A. D. 1527

On the 15th of November, 1527, Weynken, daughter of Claes,
was brought prisoner from the castle of Woerden to the Hague,
whither on the 17th day of the same month, came also the count
of Hooghstraten, Governor in Holland. On the 18th, the
aforesaid Weynken was arraigned before the governor and the
full council of Holland. There a woman asked her, "Have you well considered the things which my lords proposed
to you?"

Am."I abide by what I have said."

Ques. "If you do not speak differently, and turn from
your error, you will be subjected to an intolerable death."
'

Am. "If power is given you from above I am ready to
suffer." John 19:11.

Ques. "Do you then, not fear death, which you have
never tasted?"

Am. "This is true; but I shall never taste death, for
Christ says: 'If a man keep my saying, he shall never see
death.' (John 8:51.) The rich man tasted death, and shall taste
it forever." (Luke 16:23. )

Ques. "What do you hold concerning the sacrament?"

Am."I hold your sacrament to be bread and flour, and
if you hold it as God, I say that it is your devil."

Ques. "What do you hold concerning the saints?"

Am. "I know no other Mediator than Christ." (I John
2:19. )

Ques. "You must die, if you abide by this."

Am."I an i already dead." (Gal. 2:19. )

Ques. "If you are dead, how can you speak?"

Ans. "The spirit lives in me; the Lord is in me, and I
am in Him." (John 14:20. )

Ques."Will you have 'a confessor, or not?"

Am."I have Christ, to Him I confess; nevertheless, if
I have offended any, I would willingly ask them to forgive
me."

Ques. "Who has taught you this opinion, and how did
you come to it?"

Am. "The Lord, who calls all men to Him; I am also one
of His sheep; therefore I hear His voice." (John 10:27. )

Ques."Are you alone called?"

Am."No; for the Lord calls to Him all that are heavy laden."
(Matt. 28:11.)

After many like words Weynken was led back to prison. During
the two following days she was entreated and tempted by various
persons, namely by monks, priests, women, and her nearest
friends.

Page 423

Among others, a woman came to her, prompted by sincerity,
who commiserated her after this manner, "Dear mother, can you not think what you please, and keep it
to yourself? then you will not die."

Weynken replied, "Dear sister; I am commanded to speak, and
am.constrained to do so; hence I cannot remain silent about
it."

Wom."Then, ' I am afraid, they, will put you to death."

Ans."Though they burn me tomorrow, or put me into a bag, I
cafe not; as the Lord has ordained it, so,it must be, and not
otherwise; I will adhere to the Lord."

Wom."If you have done nothing else I hope you will not
die."

Ans."As for me; it matters not.; but when I come down from
the hall, I cry bitterly; and it grieves me to see that these
good men are all so blinded;.I will pray the Lord for them."
.

Two Dominican friars also came to her, the one as a
confessor, and the other as an instructor. The latter showed
her the crucifix, saying, "See, here is your .Lord and your
God." She. answered, "This is not my God; the cross by which I have been
redeemed, is adifierent one. This is a wooden god; throw him
into the fire, and warm yourselves with him." The other asked
her in the morning of the day when she was to die, whether she
would not receive the sacrament, adding that he would willingly
administer it to her. She said, "What God would you give me? one
that is perishable, and is sold for a farthing?" And to
the-priest or monk, who rejoiced that he had read mass that
day, she said that he had crucified God anew. He said:, "It appears to me that you have fallen unto error?"

In the middle of the week she was brought before the Court,
and when she came into the hall, the monk went up to her, and
held the crucifix before her face, saying, "Do recant before
sentence is, passed." But Weynken turned from the crucifix,
saying, "I adhere to my Lord and God; neither death nor life
shall separate me from Him." (Rom. 8:39.) As she stood before
the judge, the' monk whispered into her ear, "Fall down upon
monk knees, and ask the Lord for pardon." She replied, "Be still: did I not tell you, that you should not draw me
from my Lord."

The Dean of Naeldwijck, subcommissary and inquisitor, read
the sentence, in Latin, from a doc-, ument, and repeating it in
Dutch, said briefly, thatshe was found to be in error with
regard to the sacrament, and that she immovably adhered to it;
hence he decided that she was a heretic, and delivered Weynken
to the secular arm, with the protest that he did- not consent
to her death. He then retired from the council, together with
his two associate ecclesiastics.

The chancellor immediately read, that she, as reported, had
been found' obstinate, which could not be passed by without
punishment, and that she should be burnt to ashes; and all her
property be confiscated. '

Then Weynken said: -"Has all been done now? I beg you all,
that if I have harmed or offended any, you will forgive
me."

The monk then said to her, "Now for once kiss your Lord and
God." She answered, "This is not my Lord."

As they were leaving the council chamber, the monk said to
her that she should call upon our Lady to intercede for
her.

She replied, "Our Lady, is well content in God."

Monk: "Call upon her."

Weynken, "We have Christ, who sitteth on the right
hand of His Father.; I3 a prays for us, " (Romans 8:34.) ',

On her way from the hall to the scaffold or place of
execution, the monk said, "Behold for once your Lord, who died
for you."

Weynken: "This is not my Lord and my God; my Lord God
is in me, and I in Him."

Monk: "Coiisider! will you condemn all these lambs,.
and are they all condemned?"

Weynken:, "Not all; judgment belongs unto God." (Heb.
10:30. )

Monk: "Do you not fear the severe judgment of
God?"

Weynken, "God comes not to condemn sinners, but to
give them peace." (Luke 9:56.)

Monk, "Do you not, fear the sentence which you must
suffer in the fie?"

Weynken, "No, for I know how I stand with my
Lord."

On the scaffold there stood one who said to Weynken:
'.'Mother, turn to the people, and ask them,to forgive you, if
you have offended any." This she did. Then she assisted the
executioners to put the powder into her bosom. Here the monk
again tempted her with the cross; but she pushed it away with
her hand, turned around, and said, "How you tempt me? My Lord and my God is above." She then
went .gladly, as though.she were going to a marriage; and her
face did not once be token fear of the fire:

The monk said, "Will you not always and firmly adhere to
God?"

Weynken said, "Yes, indeed."

Monk, "Now you will have to go into the fire; do
recant, "

Veynken, "I am well content; the Lord's will must be
done."

Page 424

Monk: "This is not the will of the Lord; the will of
God is your sanctification."

The executioner said, "Mother, cleave to God and do not
suffer yourself to be drawn away from Him."

In the meantime this pious heroine went alone undauntedly to
the bench, and stationed herself at the stake at which she was
to be burned, saying, "Is the bench firm; will I not fall?"

The executioner then made ready the ropes with which he was
to strangle her. The woman took off her neckerchief or veil,
and put the strap around her neck.

Then the monk exclaimed, "Mother Weynken, will you gladly.die
as a Christian?,"

Ans. "Yes, I will."

Ques."Do you renounce all heresy?"

Ans."I do."

Monk: "This is well. Are you also sorry that you have
erred?"

Ans. "I formerly did err indeed, and for that I am
sorry; this however is no error, but the true way, and I adhere
to God."

When she had said this, the executioner began to strangle
her, which when she felt it, she cast down her eyes and closed
them, as though she had fallen into a sleep, and gave up the
ghost, on the twentieth day of November, A. D. 1527.

JOHN WALEN, WITH TWO OF HIS FELLOW BRETHREN, A. D. 1527

In the year 1527, there was also a faithful brother
(Rev. 2:10), named John Walen, residing in Waterlandt,
on Crommenies Dijck, and with him two of his fellow brethren.
These three were together brought prisoners, for the testimony
of Jesus (Revelations 2:13; 20:4), by the bloodthirsty
papists, to Haarlem, and after a little while they were sent
from there to Gravenhage, where they were examined very
severely; yet, through the power of the Most High (Eph.
6:10; Acts 1:8), with which they were endued,
they patiently endured it; thus valiantly overcoming by faith
all their inquisitors and tormenters, together with the world
and all visible things. I John 5:4. On this account the
rulers of darkness (Eph. 6:12), at said place sentenced
them to the following inhuman and tyrannous death: They were
chained to stakes, and a fire built around, them, and thus they
were slowly roasted, until the marrow was seen to trickle down
from their thighbones; thus being burned and roasted till death
came to their relief.7 After their death the garments on the
upper part of their bodies were taken off piece by piece, the
color of the cloth still being recognizable. And as they
suffered all this for the name of Jesus and the Word of God,
and not on account of any misdeed committed, but only in order
to testify to and confess the firm foundation of the truth
before this false and adulterous generation, the Son of God
shallhereafter, when coming in His glory, not he ashamed of
them, but confess them before His Father and His chosen angels,
and crown them with everlasting glory in heaven. Rev. 20:4;,I
Pet. 4:14, 15; Mark 12:39; Luke 9:26; II Tim.
4:8.

LEONHARD SCHOENER, A. D. 1528; AND AFTER
HIM
ABOUT SEVENTY OTHERS

In the year 1528, Leonhard Schoener of Becklasburg
was apprehended. He was a minister of God, and was well versed
in the holy Scriptures, and also in the Latin language. He
faithfully taught the true baptism of Christ and His apostles,
the true Lord's Supper, and the articles of the Christian
faith; yea, the Word of God. He also testified against infant
baptism, the abominable sacrament, and other abominations of
antichrist. He had originally been a barefoot friar for about
six years, but beholding the impurity, wantonness, hypocrisy
(Matt. 7:15 ), and viciousness of the monks and priests,
and judging their lives by the Word of God, he left the
monastery at Judenburg, in Austria, and went to Nurenberg,
learned the tailor's trade, and then traveling about as
journeyman tailor, he came to Nulasberg, in Austria. There he
heard of Baithasar Heubmer and his baptism, and learned that a
number of the same faith formed a little society at Veyen. He
sought them out, came to them, heard them, and, led thither by
Oswald, was baptized. After this he went to Steyen to work at
his trade; where he taught and baptized, having been elected
teacher by them; and thus teaching and baptizing, he proceeded
through Bavaria, as far as Rothenburg, in the valley of the
Inn; where he was apprehended for his faith, disputed much with
his opposers, and was examined. Previous to this he proposed:
that, if- they regarded his faith and doctrine as wrong and
heretical, they should produce learned persons, doctors, monks
and priests, to dispute with him concerning the matter. Should
he, in disputing on true scriptural grounds, be found to be in
the wrong, they should punish him as unrighteous; and for still
further confirmation of the truth, he offered, in order to
confirm his assertion and his writings, that, if any of the
learned could convince him with the truth of the Word of God,
that his doctrine was not conformable.to the holy Scriptures,
he should, as having been vanquished be severed limb from limb
by the executioner, and, when deprived of all his limbs, have
the ribs torn out of his body, until he should be dead. But if
he should not be able to obtain a hearing and disputation, and
they should judge and put him to death unheard, he asked all
the witnesses of his death, and all those standing by, that
they would be his witnesses before God, in His judgment at the
last day. But by virtue of the mandate of the Emperor, and the
edict of the King of Hungary and Bohemia, he was condemned,
delivered to the executioner, beheaded, and burnt to ashes, on
the fourteenth day of January of said

Page 425

year; at Rothenburg, for the testimony of Christ, from which
he would not depart.' After the death of this Leonhard, about
seventy persons bore witness with their blood in the same'
place. Leonhard Schoener, among others, left the following
admonition for the consolation of all those who suffer for the
name of Christ, "We beseech Thee, O eternal God, incline Thy gracious ear to
us, Lord Sabaoth, Thou Prince of hosts, hear our complaint; for
great distress and affliction prevails, and pride has entered
into Thy heritage. And with it many supposed Christians have
joined, and thus set up the abomination of desolation. Matt.
24:15. .They rage, and destroy the sanctuary of the Christians.
They have trampled' it under foot, and the abomination of
des6lation is worshiped as God. II Thess. 2:4. They have
destroyed Thy holy city, overthrown Thy holy altar, and killed
the servants in it, wherever they could apprehend them. And now
that we remain as a little flock (Luke 12:32), they have driven
us with reproach and disgrace into every country. We are
scattered like sheep that have no shepherd. We have to abandon
house and home, and are as the, night ravens, which lodge in
the rocks. Our chambers are in eaves and cliffs; and snares are
laid for us as for the birds of the air. We go about in
forests, and are hunted with dogs. We are led captive and bound
as dumb lambs which do not open their mouth. Acts 8:32. We are
proclaimed rebels and heretics. We are led as sheep to the
slaughter. Many sit in distress and bonds, and their bodies
have perished. Some have been overcome by the severe
sufferings, and died without any guilt. Here is the patience of
the saints on earth; and thus must we be proved by suffering.
Rev. 13:10. The believers have here been hanged on trees,
strangled, cut in pieces, drowned secretly and openly; not only
men, but also women and maidens have testified here to the
faith that Jesus Christ is the truth and the only way to
eternal life. John 14:6. Still the world is not at rest, but
rages like a madman, and forges lies against us. They cease not
to burn and kill. They make the world too small for us. O Lord
how long wilt Thou be silent with regard to this? How long wilt
Thou not judge the blood of Thy saints? Rev. 6:10. Let it
ascend before Thy throne. How precious in Thy sight is the
blood of Thy saints. Therefore we have in all our distresses a
comforting confidence in Thee alone, and in no other; neither
have we consolation, rest or peace in the earth. But he that
hopes in Thee shall never be confounded. O Lord, there is no
sorrow so great that it can separate us from Thee; hence we
call upon Thee without ceasing, through Christ Thy Son, our
Lord, whom Thou, out of pure grace, hast given us for our
consolation, and who has prepared and made known to us the
narrow path and the way unto eternal life. Matt. 7:14. Eternal
glory, triumph, honor and praise be unto Thee now and in all
eternity, and Thy righteousness abide forever. All nations
blessThy holy name, through Christ, the coming righteous judge
of the whole world, Amen. Acts 17:31."

HANS SCHLAEFFER AND LEONHARD PRICK, IN,THE
YEAR 1528

In the year 1528, Brother Hans Schlaeffer, formerly a Roman
priest, but afterwards a teacher of the Word and Gospel of
Christ, a highly gifted man, was apprehended at Schwartz, in
the valley of the Inn, and with him Brother Leonhard Frick.
They tried him greatly with many severe tortures, and disputed
with him, through the priests, about infant baptism; but he,
orally as well as in writing, showed them his defense, as it is
commanded, and as it will be found, throughout the entire New
Testament, namely: That the Word of God must first be taught,
and that only those who hear, understand, believe, and receive
it, are to be baptized. This is the true Christian baptism, and
no anabaptism. The Lord has nowhere commanded to baptize
infants; they are already the Lord's, and as long as they are
in their innocence and simplicity, they are not to be condemned
at all. They also asked him, in what the foundation of these
anabaptistic sects did properly consist. To this he
replied, "Our faith, practice, and baptizing is founded on
nothing else than the command of Christ: 'Go ye into all the
world, and preach the Gospel to every creature. He that
believeth and is baptized shall be saved.' (Mark 16:16; Matt:
28: 19); and many other Scriptures."

They also asked what design lay concealed under this
anabaptism, since they had thus exhorted them to raise a new
uproar and sedition. But he replied that it had never entered
his heart, to make an uproar; neither had he ever approved of
it in others; yea, he had fled from a house in which they lived
in contention; which he could prove by all with whom he had
ever lived. And there is no other design concealed under it,
than to amend the life, and to forsake the vicious ways of the
world; so that in the doctrine which he teaches, this is not
the least commandment, that we are in duty bound to be subject
to the authorities in all good things; how, then, should he
raise and purpose uproar and sedition?

They also desired to know of him, who were the true authors
and principals of these heretical and chief sects, as they
falsely call them. He told them that he knew of no other
principal of his faith, than the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who
is the true Captain of the faith. I-feb. 12:2. But as, regards
that they are called heretics and seditious sects, he referred
them to the complaints of the Jews against Christ before'
Pilate, and the complaints against the apostle Paul, before
Felix the Governor. Matthew 27:1; Acts 24:2.

He was likewise asked what had caused and induced him to
forsake his office as priest. Concerning this he told them,
that he had done it for conscience' sake, because he knew that
he was in the

Page 426

place of a prophet, and believed that God had sent him.

They would also know of him, who had told him to go into
Germany, to plant the evil seed of Anabaptism. He told them,
that no one had ordered him thither; but that, since he had no
abiding place as yet, and had to go about in misery, he came
there to one of his friends, with whom he stayed, and thence
carne to Schwatz, where he was apprehended, according to and
for the will of God. As to the evil seed of which they spake,
he knew nothing at all; he intended nothing evil, but much
rather the pure divine truth.

After this and other things, when he had been in prison for
some time, and could not be moved, he and his fellow prisoner
and brother were condemned to death, and executed with the
sword at Schwatz, thus testifying with their blood to the
divine truth. He left the following admonitory thanksgiving to
his brethren in Christ

O God, I beseech Thy grace; do not impute to me my sins,
since Christ atoned for them before I was born. Rom. 5:10. I
was Thine enemy, and Thou hast loved and graciously accepted
me, and given for my redemption the innocent blood of Thy
beloved Son (I Pet. 1:19), though I still experience in me much
molestation from remaining sin; which rises in my flesh. For
when I would do good, evil is present with me. Rom. 7:21. For
this cause I am sorrowful, and may well sigh and exclaim with
the apostle Paul: O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver
me from the body of this death? Romans 7:24. And I must reply
to myself and say: But thanks be to God, which giveth me the
victory through Christ. Thou art'my comfort; for if I thus
believe with the heart, I cannot be condemned. The spirit is
willing and ready, but the flesh is weak, so that' if cannot
fulfill the law of God, until Christ strengthens us with His
Spirit: Where human laws rein on earth, there the distressed
minds are seduced; yea, where Christ Jesus is not the sole
Ruler, that which He does riot build, is always torn and
broken; and no building can stand, which He does not uphold.
Though the world highly esteems other things, they are
condemned before God; and hence we all pray together, young and
old, great and small, that Thou, O God, wouldst have compassion
upon us; and send us poor children faithful shepherds and
stewards of Thy gifts (Matt. 9:38), that all human doctrine may
be rooted out;for it is time to truly repent and forsake evil;
for'-the severe judgment of God is at hand. Mark 1:15. Hence
let us take our refuge to the chastisement of our Father, and
submit ourselves in obedience, that He may chastise us as His
children. The world is blinded, sloes not know the Christian
life, abominates it, flees the cross, and thinks it is enough,
if they can talk finely of the Christian life, but do little
indeed., "But, my brethren, he that would be a true Christian, must
put on Christ (Rom. 13:14), and resemble Him in His humble form
while on earth,and be of good cheer in everything which happens
to him in this world: No external semblance of loving Christ,
and of suffering for His name, avails here; we must not be
ashamed of Him, who first loved us (I John 4:19), and gave
Himself for us to an ignominious death. It is in truth not
otherwise, than that judgment must first begin at the house of
God. I Pet. 4:17. Thus the Holy Scripture is now fulfilled, so
that the punishment with which the world is to be visited, is
ready and at hand; hence no one ought to be negligent; for the
sword is drawn, the bow is bent, the arrow laid upon it, and
aim is taken.

By this I do not mean that we are to seek any other refuge,
than to accept the chastisement of the Father, as has been said
above; by Which He refines us for that whereunto He has sealed
us, that we 'may be assured of the eternal and imperishable
kingdom with Him, and forever to possess it with Him in life
everlasting; to this may God strengthen us all. Amen."

LEOPOLD SCHNEIDER, A. D.. 1528

This Leopold Schneider was beheaded as a pious witness of
the suffering of Christ, for the truth, at Augsburg, A. D.
1528. He left the following admonition for the comfort and
instruction of others, "My God, I will praise Thee in my last hour; Thee who .art
high above in heaven, I will praise Thee with heart and mouth,
for Thou art worthy of it; strengthen my faith (Luke 17:5), now
that I must go on this pilgrimage of suffering; remember me in
mercy in the severe conflict. I commend my spirit into Thy
hands (Luke 23:46); in Thee I rejoice. Christ, help me to stand
in my sufferings. Heavenly Father, forgive them, for they know
not what they do. Because I cannot forsake Thy Word, I am
hated, and they seek to separate my body from the soul.
Therefore I call upon Thee, O God, for gracious help; I trust
in Thee, for I have no other comforter. That which is so
clearly written, Mark 16:16; 'He that believeth and is baptized
shall be saved," can certainly not be contradicted by any one;
hence it is to be heeded. O ye blind, why are you troubled and
grieved because the command of Christ is observed? acquaint
yourselves With the holy Scriptures, and you will find what
Christ the Son of God has commanded us to do. I beseech you
all, beloved brethren and sisters, that you would firmly trust
in God, and let not my bitter death grieve you; 'for God will
richly reward it; we must once take our leave of this vale of
'sorrow. The Scripture clearly declares, that he who would have
laughing and joy here, shall hereafter mourn and weep:
Luke 6:25; we must suffer here with patience; the Lord
grant that it be done innocently. He that would here bring his
gift to the altar; and remembers that his brother has aught
against him, must leave his gift at the altar, and first go and
be reconciled to his brother, and then come and offer his gift.
Matt. 5:23, 24. Therefore,

Page 427

I beseech Thee, O God, graciously to forgive those who put
me to death. I commend my spirit and soul into Thy hand, O God;
deliver me out of all my distresses, and never turn away from
me; deprive my flesh of all its power, that I may overcome and
be victorious in Thee. Amen." Rev. 2:11.

EIGHTEEN PERSONS BURNED AT SALZBURG; IN THE
YEAR 1528

These eighteen persons, besides many others, were kindled
with zeal in the fear of God, and had turned to God from the
world and its idolatry, and been baptized upon faith in Christ,
entering upon obedience towards His holy Gospel. This the
adversaries could not endure; these eighteen were therefore
apprehended, and finally, as they, under many tortures, piously
adhered to their faith, were all sentenced to the fire,
and burned, on the same day, at Salzburg, about the year 1528.
They left the following as a memorial:, "O God of heaven, watch over Thy sheep: who are such a
little flock, that they may not depart from Thee, or be led
astray. Keep them under Thy protection, and deliver them from
this lamentable distress; for the beast pursues . them even
unto death, which they must suffer, for they are thrown into
severe prisons, where they, in the death of the dungeon, sing
praises unto the Lord, and magnify Him with heart and mouth.
Acts 16:25. O Lord, .have compassion therefore, and let this
our complaint come before Thee. Come quickly, and help us poor
children, and sustain us in Thy will. They would drive us from
Thee, and they beset us very hard with their great power and
pomp. O God, grant us Thy divine power; we have no other Lord
in heaven and earth, than Thee. I Cor. 8:6. Grant us
what we desire of Thee. The Lord Christ sends out His
messengers, and through them offers us His heavenly
kingdom, which is derided by the world: but we have
accepted the Lord's kingdom and His grace with great joy and
satisfaction; therefore the priests roar and rage against us,
and terribly hate us. They have greatly hid the truth for more
than five hundred years, and seduced the multitude of men with
false doctrine: they trample the Word of God under their
feet,.and it is despised by them. O Lord, grant that they may
amend their steps and do Thy will., "And is, that which has been witnessed at Salzburg not a
lamentable matter; namely, that eighteen persons were burned
together on the same day, only for the doctrine of Christ, whom
they confessed to be the only Lord? They would not honor the
image, nor worship the beast. They would not receive their
words, nor the mark of antichrist into their hand or on their
forehead. Thereforethey could neither buy, nor sell in the
land; but they adhered to Christ, and received His, mark, and
their names are written in the book of life(Ps. 69:28); as
Christian soldiers they, through grace, obtained the crown." II
Tim. 4:8.

Thus they were burned with fire, and are now awaiting
everlasting joy.

WOLFGANG ULMAN, A. D. 1528

Wolfgang U1man, a celebrated and excellent man in matters of
faith, after maintaining and practicing the faith for some
time, was burned, together with his brother and ten other
persons,

all steadfastly testifying to their faith with death, at
Walzen, about the year 1528.

HANS PRETLE, A. D. 1528

Subsequently also Hans Pretle, who had been a preacher, but
had afterwards become a minister of the church,of Christ,
having exercised his ministry for a time, and pointed many to
the knowledge of the Gospel, was burned for the testimony of
Jesus Christ. Rev. 6:9.

LITTLE HANS OF STOTZINGEN, A. D. 1528

Little Hans of Stotzingen, having been in prison for a time,
for the evangelical truth, at Zabern, Alsace, was finally
condemned to death, about the year 1528. On his way to the
place of execution, he addressed the following admonition to
the people, and was then beheaded with the sword., "In our extremity we now begin to cry unto our God, to
deliver us from all our distress, that our hearts may offer up
to Him a pure sacrifice acceptable in His sight. Rom. 12:1. The
sacrifice which I mean is my whole body, life, skin and bones,
and also wife and children. We are willing to offer up all our
members, love impelling and constraining us. Pharaoh
would fain prevent and alter this; but we care not for it, and
have not the least desire to desist from it, but to bring the
offering before the Lord, and to press our way through with His
assistance (Matt. 1.1:12); He will aid and succor us. Come
hither, beloved brethren, let us valiantly take hold, of the
matter: We are now members of Jesus Christ (Rom. 12:4, 5);
He is our Captain (Ephesians 1:22); He has prepared a
glorious crown, with which He will crown those who shall
persevere unto the end. Matt. 10:22. Be of good courage and
undaunted, thou worm Jacob. Isa. 41:14. The Red Sea shall stand
open; if Pharaoh will pursue thee, he will perish in it. Thou
little flock, be not afraid, for it is but a little while here,
and our flesh is of no consequence. But in the city which God
has prepared us in the everlasting kingdom, we shall be
as the angels of God. Heb. 11:10; Matthew 22:30. Who can
estimate their value? This God has promised us; yea, through
His Child, Jesus Christ, He promises us much comfort and joy,
and everlasting rest, if we continue steadfast in Him. iBut we
must also drink the cup of suffering, and suffer with His Son
Christ Jesus (Matt. 20:23), and He will deliver and well succor
us. Though the

Page 428

heathen slay us, He will not forsake us, but break their
power in pieces, snatch us out of their hand, and through grace
gloriously crown us. God is the Lord who can protect. He is
also our shield (Genesis 15:1), since we have Him for a Father,
who is so good and gracious; that though men drive us away from
them, yet will we always adhere to Him. His great power is over
us, and He does not suffer them to faint, who keep His
covenant; therefore, though we be defamed and accused, rejoice
over it in your hearts. Have confidence in God, and He shall
help you. Therefore fear neither pain nor death. I give praise
and thanks to my God, that I have become a sacrifice. I have
long longed for it, for to die is gain for me. Phil. 1:21. O
God, let me partake of the sacrifice of Thy Son Jesus Christ.
Amen." Heb. 9:14.

Thus he offered his neck, and was beheaded for the testimony
of Jesus Christ. Acts 1:8.

THOMAS, BALTHASAR, AND DOMINICUS, A. D. 1528

In the same year 1528, Thomas and Balthasar, both ministers
of the Gospel, and with them one Dominicus, were apprehended,
condemned to death, and burned, suffering it very steadfastly,
for the faith and the divine truth, in the city of Bruenn, in
Moravia. But before they were apprehended, they advised the
council, that they should take care and not shed innocent
blood, for God would not let it go unpunished. Jer. 7:6. One of
the council, named Thomas Pelzer arose and did as though he
were washing his hands, saying, "Thus shall I wash my hands in
their blood, and think to do God service." John 16:2. But a few
days after the judgment of God came upon him. He was found dead
in his bed, beside his wife; and thus by his sudden death, was
not permitted, to see the death of these pious persons, which
struck terror into the hearts of many.

Brother Bastelwart well knew this Thomas Pelzer, who died so
suddenly; and also Brother Andrew Gauper was acquainted with
the circumstance.

HANS FEIERER, WITH FIVE BRETHREN AND THREE
SISTERS, A. D. 1528

About this time also Hans Feierer, a minister of the Word,
and five of his brethren or fellow believers were condemned and
burned for the faith and divine truth, at Munich in Bavaria;
there three sisters, wives of three of them, were drowned, and
boldly, cheerfully, and gladly surrendered their lives, being
willing much rather to lose this temporal life, than to desist
from what God had given them to know. They gave up a' miserable
life, in due time to find another (Matt. 10:39; 24:13; Rev.
2:10), with Christ, and with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and all
the saints and pious, in the kingdom of God, which is promised
to all those who endure to the end.

THREE BRETHREN AND TWO SISTERS, A. D. 1528

A. D. 1528, Three brethren and two sisters were put in
prison at Znaym, in Moravia. There was a judge at Znaym, called
Sir Louis, who greatly hated the brethren, as was manifest in
the imprisonment of these brethren and sisters, With stern
words he asked the council what they intended to do with the
Anabaptist heretics, since' they had a royal command and
mandate, and yet did not have them executed. He said he would
himself go to the king, and inform him of their disobedience;
but if they would have them executed, he would draw the wood to
burn them with his own horses. Thereupon the council answered
and said, "Dear Sir Louis, we will commend them to thee; do with
them as you please; it is committed to you. Then he had the
wood drawn with his own wagon, and caused the three brethren
and two sisters to be burned, who were thus speedily executed,
paying unto God, who permitted this true burnt offering, the
vow made in baptism, and fighting unto death for the divine
truth confessed. '

This Louis, actuated by the hatred and envy of the old
serpent, was not yet satisfied with the blood of the pious~and
innocent sheep of the Lord, and had to fill up the measure of
his judgment. He commanded money to be given to those who
should tell him where the brethren assembled. A house having
been pointed out to him, he took bailiffs and watchmen, and
went with them to the place. There Judge Louis stepped unawares
into an opening before the house, used for letting down wine,
and sprained his foot. He fell down and cried piteously that
they should lift him up, and let the rascals go. The brethren
heard the noise, and escaped from the house. After this Louis
took sick unto death, and as he lay there in his agony and
severe sickness, he suddenly began to exclaim, "Q the Baptists,
the Baptists!" He spoke nothing else, but repeated this cry
innumerable times. Finally he roared like an ox, and like a
wild beast and bit his own tongue, and foam and blood ran out
of his mouth, so that his wife and children could not stay with
him; only his servant woman, who was attached to him, remained
with him until he was strangled in his own blood. This servant
woman related the circumstances to Brother Bastelwart, who was
a minister. All his kindred do not like to have it spoken- of;
and it was a common saying among the people that he had shed
innocent blood. Prov. 6:17; Jer. 7:6; 22:3. And thus God has
often (more than is shown in this book, or can be related)
checked the wicked with like examples, that thereby His work
might make the greater progress among His people, to His
praise, and to the salvation of many who seek that which is
right, and the amendment of life; for if God had not always
sustained His work, the enemy would in the course of time, have
extinguished it, and not have left one spark or germ of truth
remain; but this God does not permit him to do.

Page 429

NINE BRETHREN AND THREE SISTERS, A. D. 1528

In this year 1528, nine brethren and three sisters were
apprehended at Bruck, on the Mur, in Steyermark. They were
condemned for their faith, and taken in bonds out of the city,
to the place of execution; but they were glad and of good
cheer, and said, "This day we will suffer in this place for the
word of God, and offer to Him our sacrifice." Rom. 12:1; II
Tim. 4:6. They also earnestly admonished the lords of Bruck,
that they should know that they rendered themselves guilty of
innocent blood. A ring having been formed, they all knelt down
(Acts 7:60; 20:36), and earnestly prayed to God; that they
might now finish this their evening sacrifice. They then arose
and submitted to the sword. The executioner was sad; for he did
not like to do it. The youngest of them all entreated his
brethren, that, since he felt of good cheer and bold, they
should let him suffer the first pain; he then kissed them, and
said, "God bless you, my beloved brethren; today we shall all be
together in Paradise." Luke 23:43. Thus these nine brethren
were beheaded in a green field; they were so undaunted that it
was astonishing to behold-it. They knelt down; and thus poured
out their blood through the smiting of the sword. The three
sisters were drowned; they would in no wise depart from God and
His truth. The youngest one laughed at the water; which was
seen by many a one there. Some held that the devil had hardened
them; but others were moved in their hearts, so that they
confessed that God must have given this, since otherwise it
could not be possible. Thus they valiantly testified to the
holy and divine truth.

VILGARD AND CASPAR OF SCHOENECK, ABOUT THE
YEAR 1528

These two were beheaded for the truth, at Ries, in the
Fluchtthal, near Brixen, and thus died as faithful witnesses of
Christ, leaving the following admonition to their brethren, "Hearken, all of you, and take to heart, that God will visit
all sinners great and small,. who now despise Him and revile
His name, and do not consider their sinful life. God shall
speedily awaken, and deliver His children. If we consider the
doctrine of the prophets, we see that this is the last time,
and in this time God calls upon all men that they should turn
unto Him (Isa. 45:22), live according to His will, and keep His
commandments; and that if they do this, His wrath shall cease,
and He will be their God and Father; for God, because of His
great goodness, is longsuffering in His judgment; therefore
beware of sin, and do not follow the devil;. but free
yourselves from unrighteousness, and your God will not forsake
you in this last hour; for God is rich and gracious, and with
Him there is much grace; He willingly forgives the sinner who
will forsake his sins, who believes in Christ, and calls upon
His name; to such He will not only, through grace remit his
sins, butalso freely give him the eternal reward. Heed well
these things. Oh all of you who belong to the Church of Jesus
Christ, and have become children of God. Praise God with
shouting, young and old, great and small; you who, have
believed His Ward, love God as His dear children, and walk
before Him with pure hearts, and you shall never be forsaken,
but He will ever preserve you. O God, who art rich in grace,
keep us Thy children, that we may hold to Thee, and that those
who have come to Thee, may not be confounded; lead them
diligently with Thy right hand into the promised land, the
eternal heavenly kingdom. O God, honor be unto Thee in Thy high
throne, who hast given us Christ Thy Son, and imparted divine
grace to us, by which we now confess Thee with heart and mouth,
and are not ashamed to call them our brethren who call upon
Thee in truth as their Father. Praised by Thy holy name,
Amen."

NOTE.-Sebastian Franck relates that the Anabaptists in the
beginning increased by many thousands, so that the world feared
that they would cause an uproar; but of this, as I hear, he
writes, they were found innocent and, were persecuted with
great tyranny; first especially in popedom. They were forcibly
imprisoned, and tormented with the sword, fire, water, and
manifold imprisonments, so that within a few years very many
were put to death. Some compute the number of those put to
death far more than two thousand. They were put to death in
many places; at Ensisheim alone about six hundred were slain,
all of whom patiently and steadfastly suffered as martyrs.

SIX PERSONS AT BASEL, A. D. 1529

In the year 1529, those of Basel imprisoned nine of those
who were baptized according to the command of Christ; six* of
whom, as they write, were banished.

They further write, that at Bomburg, a castle in the
dominion of Basel, some of the chief Anabaptists were
imprisoned by one Bartholomew Sincken who was castellan there.
However, what they ultimately did with them, the record does
not state. Compare this with the account in the preface to the
Offer-boeck der Doopsgesinde, of the year 1615, letter
Y, p. 2.

HANS LANGMANTEL WITH HIS MANSERVANT AND
MAIDSERVANT, A. D. 1529

Hans Langmantel, a wealthy citizen and of noble descent,
during the re-establishment of the churches in Germany,
received with his manservant and maidservant the truth
of the Gospel, and, kindled with zeal, they believed the
truth, forsook their

*After many disputations three of the nine
apostatized; the rest remaining steadfast, were banished.Page 430

sinful life, and were baptized upon their faith in Christ
Jesus, for the remission and forgiveness of their sins; on
which account all three were imprisoned, and, after .enduring
many assaults and torments, they were finally put to death for
their faith, which they constantly confessed. Hans Langmantel
and his manservant were. beheaded with the sword, while the
maidservant was drowned in the water. When they were still in
severe confinement they sent the following; as a thank offering
and prayer to God, which they made use of in prison, to their
brethren, for consolation, admonition, and as a memorial, about
A. D. 1529., "O God, our heavenly Father, come with the power of Thy Holy
Spirit, that Thou mayest rejoice our mind, heart and soul; give
all three of us a manful heart, that in this anguish we fight
and overcome. Rev. 2:7. Hold us with Thy right hand, for Thou
art our strength; fight the battle for us (Ex. 14:14), and
watch over us in distress, that we may stand in the conflict,
and not go back when it is at its height. Therefore, O Lord,
keep watch over us, and take care of us in this extremity, now
that the wicked rise up against Thy Word, and would drive us
from it. O God, preserve us in Thy keeping, that we may not
faint and abandon Thy Word. Let us enjoy the faithfulness which
Thou hast shown us through Thy Son Jesus Christ; and in order
that we may always earnestly contemplate this, send us Thy Holy
Spirit, and kindle in us the fire of Thy divine love; lead us,
Thou who didst teach it in deed, that we may also exercise
ourselves therein, and observe and practice it as Thy dear
children, that this gift may come upon us, and that, even as we
are called, we may by it order our lives in this Thy truth;
maintain peace and unity, and love one another in truth with a
pure heart. To this end, O God, let the light of Thy divine
glory illuminate its, that we may walk in it. O Lord, keep us
in it as Thy dear children, and let us never become obscured by
the abominable darkness of this world, which has gained the
upper hand with all unfaithfulness, and which will be followed
by death. But Thou, our Father, dost love equity. In Thee there
is no darkness (I John 1:5); but the world is hardened with it.
But Thou art the eternal light, which penetrates the darkness;
that we may no longer be children of the night, but children of
the day. Watch over us with Thy Holy Spirit, and teach us thus
to go in this light with de light and joy according to Thy
divine nature., "O' God, we beseech Thee for one thing more: Send us, to
this end Thy Holy Spirit, endue us with His power, renew our
hearts, and make us strong in Thee, that we may obediently hear
Thee in Thy obedience, and praise Thy name. When this world
rises, and opposes Thy words, so that our soul sighs to Thee in
all severe distresses by which they seek to tear us away, then,
O Lord, grant us to look to Thee for aid, and help us to
overcome: Grant, Lord, that we may not stain ourselves byany
sin or guilt, and take from our flesh the fear by which they
would draw us away, and stop us in this work; that, when they
shall lead us to death, we may not waver in the conflict, but
may go to meet Thee with all the pious in the true, adorned
wedding garment, at the marriage feast, prepared for Thy Son,
when He shall receive His bride with everlasting joy and
delight. Lord, assist us in every anguish and distress, and in
the pain of death; give us the heavenly bread; send us Thy
Comforter, for God is the Comforter of the miserable. He.makes
the poor rich, and strengthens the feeble; He can, refresh .the
weary and give strength to the faint, that they may come to
Thee. Through Thee they overcome, who have now entered the
conflict, to fight for the truth. In Christ, Thy, Son, help us
to win the field on this earth, yea in Him alone. Be Thou alone
our Helper, protect us with Thy sword, that we may together,
as Thy heroes, obtain the crown, and be forever with Thee.
Amen."-